EP1696091A1 - Lock with ejecting means - Google Patents

Abstract

The lock has a rotor (36) mounted in a stator (38) and receiving a key (10) driven in translation in the rotor towards an active position. The rotor is driven rotatably in the stator using the key, in the position. Two flexible rods (26, 28) fixedly mounted with the key move the key away from the position, when the key is released. The rods extend in projection from an operation unit (14) towards a side of a bit (12) of the key. An independent claim is also included for a door having a safety lock.

Description

The present invention relates to a security lock including, but not limited to, to equip the doors whose access must be controlled for young children.

Many domestic accidents of young children are due to certain equipment of the house closed by a door of opening whose accessibility is too easy.

Some of these opening doors, are equipped with locks adapted to receive a key, key that simply rotate in order to be able to open said doors. To complicate the unlocking mechanism, and make it more difficult to open these doors, it has been imagined to allow the rotation of the key in said lock, only when the key is held down in said lock.

To do this, the security lock comprises a rotor, equipped with locking members and adapted to receive said key. The rotor in which is formed a passageway adapted to receive the key in translation, comprises elastic return means housed at its end. In this way, when the key is driven in translation in the path of passage of the rotor to an active position in which it cooperates with the locking members and releases the rotor in rotation, it is simultaneously supported against the spring and the tablet. Therefore, if the key is released, the spring then compressed relaxes and causes the ejection of the key to the outside of the path. Thus, with this device, it is necessary to unlock the lock to drive the key to a depressed position and hold in this position to then rotate it and unlock the lock.

Reference can be made in particular to document FR 2 167 040, which describes such a security lock.

However, such a lock is relatively complex and larger than a conventional lock because, it is necessary to provide a housing in the extension of the pathway for the spring.

A problem that then arises and that aims to solve the present invention, is to provide a lock that allows not only that we can operate the key only if it is held down, but also the least bulky possible and the least expensive.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a safety lock comprising a rotor mounted in a stator, said rotor being intended to receive a key, said key being intended to be driven in translation in said rotor to an active position, said active position allowing rotating said rotor into said stator through said key, said security lock comprising resilient return means adapted to move said key away from said operative position when said key is released; according to the invention, said elastic return means are mounted integral with said key.

Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the implementation of the elastic return means on said key and not in the rotor. In this way, there is no need to provide a specific housing for the elastic return means in the rotor, and the space gain obtained reduces the rotor dimensions and therefore the overall volume of the lock.

According to an embodiment of the invention that is particularly advantageous, said key having a coded bit extended by an actuating member, said elastic return means are integral with said actuating member and consequently make it possible to adopt conventional coded bits and usually used for this type of lock.

Advantageously, said resilient return means extend projecting from the operating member, towards said coded bit and they are capable of being compressed as soon as the key is driven into the rotor of the lock to actuate it.

In addition, according to a first embodiment of the invention, said elastic return means comprise rigid pads slidably mounted in said actuator, said rigid pads being biased projecting from the actuating member by a spring. To do this, the operating member has at least one housing in which the rigid pads may be slidably mounted, said spring being mounted in the bottom of said housing.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, said elastic return means are preferably molded in one piece of plastic material with said operating member. In this way, the key is produced at an advantageous cost, by overmolding the operating member and the elastic return means at the end of the coded bit, which is generally made of metal. Also, the additional cost of such a key simply corresponds to the cost of additional plastic material to achieve the elastic return means.

As a variant, and preferably, said elastic return means are overmolded in an elastomeric material on said operating member. In this way, it is the elastic return means in themselves that allow to remove the key from its active position by relaxing after being compressed.

Furthermore, the rotor having an input face of said key, said elastic return means are advantageously adapted to bear on said input face so as to be compressed between the operating member and the input face when the key is driven to its active position. In this way, as soon as the key is released, the compressed resilient biasing means tends to return to their rest state and separates the operating member from the input face and therefore the coded bit of the active position.

According to yet another embodiment, said key having a coded bit, said elastic return means are mounted on said coded bit and come to bear within the rotor. Advantageously, said coded bit having one end free, said elastic return means are mounted on said free end and the elastic return means bear the rotor.

According to another object, the present invention relates to a door equipped with a security lock as described above.

• la Figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une première clé pour serrure de sécurité conforme à l'invention selon une première variante ;
• la Figure 1A est une vue schématique en perspective d'un élément de détail illustré sur la Figure 1 selon une seconde variante ;
• la Figure 1B est une vue schématique de dessus de l'élément de détails illustrés sur la Figure 1A ;
• la Figure 2A est une vue schématique d'une serrure de sécurité conforme à l'invention dans laquelle la clé illustrée à la Figure 1 est dans un premier état ;
• la Figure 2B est une vue schématique de la serrure de sécurité telle qu'illustrée à la Figure 2A dans laquelle la clé est dans un second état ;
• la Figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une seconde clé pour serrure de sécurité conforme à l'invention ;
• la Figure 3A est une vue schématique d'une serrure de sécurité conforme à l'invention dans laquelle la clé illustrée à la Figure 3 est dans un premier état ; et,
• la Figure 3B est une vue schématique de la serrure de sécurité telle qu'illustrée à la Figure 3A dans laquelle la clé est dans un second état.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of indication but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first key for security lock according to the invention according to a first variant;
• Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of a detail element shown in Figure 1 according to a second variant;
• Figure 1B is a schematic top view of the detail element shown in Figure 1A;
• Figure 2A is a schematic view of a security lock according to the invention in which the key illustrated in Figure 1 is in a first state;
• Figure 2B is a schematic view of the security lock as illustrated in Figure 2A in which the key is in a second state;
• Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a second key for a security lock according to the invention;
• Figure 3A is a schematic view of a security lock according to the invention in which the key illustrated in Figure 3 is in a first state; and,
• Figure 3B is a schematic view of the security lock as shown in Figure 3A in which the key is in a second state.

Figure 1 illustrates a first key 10 of longitudinal axis A, having an encoded bit 12 and an operating member 14 forming openwork platinum. The coded bit 12 is not only shaped to a particular shape adapted to cooperate with a particular passageway of a rotor, but it also has notches 16 and teeth, whose precise positions will make it possible to constitute a code.

The coded bit 12 is made of a metallic material, and the operating member 14 of plastic material is, according to a particular and advantageous embodiment, overmoulded at one end of said bit. The operating member 14 has a free end 18, two opposite lateral edges 20, 22 and a connecting end 24 opposite to said free end 18 and from which the coded bit 12 extends.

In addition, and in accordance with the invention, resilient return means here consist of two flexible rods 26, 28 extending respectively from the opposite lateral edges 20, 22 in an inclined manner and converging towards the coded bit 12. flexible rods 26, 28, respectively define two straight lines D1 and D2 inclined substantially 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

Moreover, these two flexible rods 26, 28 respectively have a rounded free end 30, 32 located at a distance from said coded blade 12.

The two flexible rods 26,28 are molded of plastic in one piece with the operating member 14, the plastic material conferring flexibility.

According to a second variant embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, on which there is a molded actuator 15 in one piece, the two flexible rods 27, 29 extend in two superposed planes and their ends. 31, 33 intersect at a distance. The operating member 15 also has two opposite lateral edges 21 and 23 and a connecting end 25 into which a slot 19 opens. The two flexible rods 27, 29 extend in an arc from their respective lateral edge 21, 23 and converge towards each other to cross at a distance at their end 31, 33.

The operating member 15 is advantageously molded from plastic, so that the rods 27, 29 are capable of flexing. elastically in their respective plane P2, P1 to approach the connecting end 25. Moreover, a bit 13 partially shown in phantom in Figure 1B is adapted to be fitted into the slot 19 between the flexible rods 27, 29 to be made integral with the actuating member 15. In this way, the flexible rods 27, 29 are capable of flexing independently of each other on each side of the bit 13 and at a relatively large angle, up to come into contact with the connecting end 25 of the operating member 15.

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B, illustrating a security lock comprising the key 10 as described above.

Thus, FIG. 2A shows the key 10 whose coded bit 12 is inserted into a rotor 36 whose input face appears in FIG. 2A, which rotor 36 is mounted in a stator 38. In addition, FIG. the flexible rods 26, 28 whose free bearing ends 30, 32 are respectively in abutment against the input face of the rotor 36 and at a distance from the coded bit 12. The key 10 is here in a rest position, in which the coded bit 12 is not fully inserted into the rotor 36 so that it can not unlock the rotor 36 in rotation in the stator 38. Indeed, it is only when the coded bit 12 is fully inserted in the rotor 36 in an active position, that the teeth that it bears then cooperate with locking members and deactivate them to release the rotor 36 in rotation in the stator 38.

From the aforementioned rest position, the key 10 is driven in translation even more in the rotor 36 along F through the actuating member 14 and is maintained there. FIG. 2B thus illustrates the key 10 in an active position where the coded bit 12 unlocks the rotor 36 in rotation in the stator 38.

When the key 10 was brought from the aforementioned rest position to this active position, the flexible rods 26, 28 flexed elastically and the bearing ends 30, 32 were driven towards each other in a sliding direction. on the input face of the rotor 36 to the coded bit 12.

Thus bent, the flexible rods 26, 28 respectively exert a restoring force R opposite the rotor 36 and the stator 38 tending to eject the coded bit 12 of the rotor 36 and to drive it from its active position to its rest position, in which it is inactive and where it can no longer unlock the rotor 36 in rotation.

Thus, the key 10, from its rest position as illustrated in Figure 2A, must necessarily be held down in said active position, illustrated in Figure 2B to allow the unlocking of the rotor 36 in rotation in the stator 38 through the actuator 14. Otherwise, the key 10 tends to be removed from its active position, thanks to the flexible rods 26,28 which tend to return to their original position spaced apart from each other and coded bit 12, and it is then locked in rotation since the rotor 36 is not unlocked, and locked in rotation in the stator 38.

Of course, a similar result is obtained by the implementation of the aforementioned maneuvering member equipped with these two flexible rods 27, 29 arc.

Referring now to Figures 3, 3A and 3B to describe according to another embodiment, a second key 10 'for a security lock according to the invention.

The elements or parts having the same functions as the elements or parts of the object of the invention previously described with reference to FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, will bear the same reference assigned a prime sign: "'".

Figure 3 shows a second key 10 'having a coded blade 12' in which are formed notches 16 ', and a 14' forming a perforated platinum operating member. The coded bit 12 'is also made of a metallic material, and the operating member 14' of plastics material is overmolded at one of its ends.

The operating member 14 'has a free end 18', and a connecting end 24 'opposite said free end 18' and from which the coded bit 12 'extends.

According to this second embodiment, the key 10 'comprises, elastic return means here consisting of two pads 26', 28 'made of elastomer, projecting from the connecting end 24' on each side of the coded bit 12 'and opposite each other. An elastomer is a synthetic material having the properties of rubber, and is therefore elastically compressible.

Advantageously, the operating member 14 'and the two pads 26', 28 'are molded together in one piece in a plastic material of elastomer type, for example polyurethane. However, according to another embodiment, the pads 26 ', 28' are overmolded.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 3A and 3B to describe the mode of operation of this second key 10 '.

Figure 3A shows the key 10 ', the coded bit 12' inserted in a rotor 36 'whose input face appears in Figure 3A. The rotor 36 'is also mounted in a stator 38'. In addition, there are also the two pads 26 ', 28' respectively bearing against the input face of the rotor 36 'on each side of the coded bit 12'. The key 10 'is here in a rest position, in which the coded bit 12' is partially inserted into the rotor 36 'so that it can not unlock the rotor 36' in rotation in the stator 38 '.

From this rest position, the key 10 'is further driven in translation in the rotor 36' along F 'through the operating member 14' and is maintained there. FIG. 3B thus illustrates the key 10 'in an active position where the coded bit 12' unlocks the rotor 36 'in rotation in the stator 38'.

When the key 10 'is worn, from the aforementioned rest position to this active position, the pads 26', 28 'are compressed and deform elastically against the input face of the rotor 36' to flatten.

Thus compressed the pads 26 ', 28' respectively exert a restoring force R 'opposite the rotor 36' and the stator 38 'which causes the coded bit 12' of the rotor 36 'to be ejected and drives it from its active position towards its rest position if the key 10 'is released.

Thus, the key 10 ', from its rest position as shown in Figure 3A, must necessarily be held down in said active position, shown in Figure 3B to allow the unlocking of the rotor 36' in rotation in the stator 38 'via the operating member 14'.

According to a third embodiment of the invention not shown, the elastic return means consist of rigid pads slidably mounted in housings formed in the actuating member on each side of the coded bit, the rigid pads being biased towards the outside of the operating member, by resilient means of the spring type mounted inside said housing.

In this way, and in the same manner as the two other embodiments mentioned above, the coded bit can only unlock the rotor in rotation in the stator when it is held fully inserted into the rotor via the body. operating, while retracting the rigid pads in their respective housing and compressing their respective spring. These rigid pads then exert a restoring force on the key, and tend to move the coded bit from its active position.

In this way, the key object of the invention can be actuated in the rotor to drive it in rotation only if it is first driven in translation entirely in the rotor and then rotated to unlock the lock. Thus, this combination of movements makes unlocking more complex and constitutes an obstacle to opening for young children.

Claims (10)

Security lock comprising a stator (38, 38 ') and a rotor (36, 36'), said rotor being mounted in said stator, said rotor (36, 36 ') being adapted to receive a key (10, 10') , said key having a coded bit (12, 12 ', 13) extended by an operating member (14, 14', 15), said key being adapted to be driven in translation in said rotor to an active position, said active position allowing said rotor (36, 36 ') to be rotated in said stator by means of said key (10, 10'), said safety lock comprising resilient return means (26, 28; 26 ', 28); 27, 29) secured to said operating member (14, 14 ', 15) and adapted to move said key away from said operative position when said key (10, 10') is released;
characterized in that said resilient return means (26, 28; 26 ', 28'; 27, 29) are integrally molded from plastic material with said actuator (14, 14 ', 15). Safety lock according to claim 2, characterized in that said elastic return means (26, 28; 26 ', 28'; 27, 29) project from the actuating member (14, 14 ', 15). ) towards said coded bit (12, 12 ', 13). Security lock according to claim 1, characterized in that said operating member (14, 15) having a connecting end (24, 25) from which said coded bit (12, 13) extends and two opposite lateral edges (20, 22; 21, 23), said elastic return means (26, 28; 27, 29) comprise two flexible rods which respectively extend from said lateral edges (20, 22; 21, 23) towards said coded bit (12, 13). Safety lock according to claim 3, characterized in that said flexible rods (27, 29) extend in two superposed planes and intersect at a distance from one another. Safety lock according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said elastic return means (26, 28; 26 ', 28') are overmolded in an elastomeric material on said operating member (14, 14 '). Safety lock according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that , the rotor (36, 36 ') having an inlet face of said key, said elastic return means (26, 28; 26', 28 ') are adapted to come to bear on said input face. Security lock according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic return means are mounted on said coded bit (12, 12 '). Security lock according to claim 8, characterized in that , said coded bit (12, 12 ') having a free end, said resilient return means are mounted on said free end. Security lock key according to one of Claims 1 to 8. Door equipped with a security lock according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images